Robert Colville (Irish MP)

The most likely explanation for his accumulation of riches is that he was simply a sharp man of business, but gossip attributed his good fortune to his dealings with the Devil (whom he reportedly cheated).

His father on the other hand was a lifelong opponent of Presbyterianism, and the lurid stories about his necromancy probably originated with those of his enemies who belonged to that tradition.

He wielded great political influence in County Down, serving as High Sheriff of Antrim in 1670 and receiving a knighthood in 1676.

As a result, he was proscribed by the Patriot Parliament, and moved briefly to England, where he was one of the gentlemen chosen to address the House of Lords on the state of Ireland.

After William's triumph Colville resumed his leading role in the political life of Ulster until his death in 1697, and in his last years was a useful Government supporter in the Irish House of Commons.

The Major noted in a letter to Lord Conway, the Marshal of the Irish Army, dated 26 November 1651: "my daughter Pen will make a wedding with Captain Colville in ten to twelve days".